Dear Annie, Do you have any suggestions for ringworm in dogs. The puppy we recently adopted from our local animal shelter has been diagnosed with ringworm. What natural solutions can we use?
Thank you for reaching out. Ringworm is a common infection in dogs and puppies especially those from a shelter. Luckily, the fungus responds well to natural treatments and home remedies.
About Ringworm in Dogs
Despite the name, ringworm is not a worm or parasite at all. Ringworm is a fungal infection that lives off dead skin cells. Interestingly, the fungus is more or less the same kind that causes Athletes foot and Jock Itch. The name “ringworm” comes from the round shape of the rash. The fungus responsible for ringworm is called Microsporum, of which there are 3 main types. Microsporum canis is responsible for 70% of ringworm cases in dogs. 20% is caused M. gypsenum and 10% is related to a different fungus in the same family, Trichonphyton mentagrophytes.
Ringworm lives on the dead skin cells of the outer layer of skin called the epidermis where it easily spreads. A single spot can spread on the same animal, creating more patches. It is also highly contagious moving readily from animal to animal and from animal to human. The young, elderly and those with compromised immune systems are most at risk of infection, both in humans and animals.
Symptoms of ringworm in dogs
For most dogs, ringworm manifests as circular spots of hair loss. These spots can be localized to one area or appear all over the dog’s body. As the infection progresses, the circumference of the lesion grows larger. Enlarged patches may take on a patchy appearance with the skin inside the patch becoming red, inflamed and scabbed. Sometimes the skin inside the patch or lesion appears to heal as the patch grows larger.
Thankfully, ringworm in dogs (or anyone) is not life threatening and usually does not make the dog itch. (As it does in humans). Ringworm does, however, affect the hair and hair follicles. Hair follicles around the infected area become brittle and break easily with lost hair being a big part of how the fungus spreads. Sometimes ringworm infects the claws or bottom of the feet, causing them to become brittle and rough.
Prevention is the Key for ringworm in dogs
An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure. Ringworm in dogs is highly contagious. Plus, it can spread between humans and animals. Therefore, a little prevention can go a long way toward stopping the fungus in its tracts, while protecting your family and home.
First, and probably most important, keep the area clean. Fungi thrive in damp, moist and dark environments. Also, those brittle hairs your dog is shedding can carry the fungus to a new host–you. Hence, one of the best methods of prevention is housekeeping. Wash the puppy’s bedding a few times a week. Sweep and vacuum the floor a little more often, and if the puppy sleeps with you or gets on the couch regularly, clean those too.
Second, wash your hands after you touch your pet. Also wash your hands after applying salves or other remedies to the affected patches.
Third, keep a lookout for outbreaks. Ringworm usually clears up in a week or two with treatment. If your puppy doesn’t get better, there may be other immune issues going on. Watch your other animals and people, especially children and elders. Ringworm is easier to remedy the sooner you start treatment.
Natural Solutions for Ringworm in Dogs.
Ringworm responds well to topical treatments. And, although it may sometimes be necessary to add an internal remedy, most of the time it’s not necessary. If the ringworm continues and does not get better, visit your vet. In those cases, internal remedy may help speed the healing process, but only after ruling out other potential problems.
Before you begin, clip or shave around the ring or bald spot. This will enable you to apply natural medicines more easily and prevent affected hairs from dropping and spreading around the house.
Apple Cider Vinegar
ACV is a truly impressive healing agent. Possessing both anti-viral and anti-bacterial properties, it also helps return the skin to a normal alkaline level. To use ACV for ringworm, mix equal parts Apple Cider Vinegar and distilled water. Place in a spray bottle and spray the affected areas several times per day.
Coconut Oil
Another wonderful healing agent. Simply apply the coconut oil to the area a few times per day. If you like, add 10 drops of tea tree oil per 1 oz of melted coconut oil. Let it harden and apply as a salve.
Black Walnut (Juglans nigra)
Black Walnut is one of the most respected and widely used anti-fungals in the herbal world. The hulls, leaves and bark can all be used internally and externally. The hulls produce a natural form of iodine that can be utilized as a topical antiseptic. The tincture, oil, and salve or ointment work wonderfully on most skin infections. Apply Black Walnut externally 3 or 4 times per day.
Essential Oils
My favorite essential oils for anti-fungal treatments are Tea Tree (Melaleuca alternifolia), Tagetes (Tagetes minuta var. bipinata), Myrrh and Oregano. They each have powerful anti-fungal and anti-biotic properties. However, it important to remember that essential oils are highly concentrated and very potent. To use them, add 5 to 10 drops total essential oil to 1 oz carrier oil. Essential oils can also be added to alcohol-based preparations, like tinctures. When adding to a tincture, only 1 or 2 drops per 1 oz tincture is needed.
Other herbs that work well when used to treat fungal infections, including ringworm in dogs are Neem (Azadirachta indica), Garlic (Allium sativum), Chaparral (Larrea tridentate), Pau d’arco (Tabebuia impetiginosa) and Oregano (Origanum vulgare).
Recipes for Ringworm
Possible Tincture Formula:
Use a cotton ball or cotton swab (Q-tip) to apply tinctures or liquid plant extracts. Discard them after each use. Remember, ringworm is highly contagious.
Mix individually prepared liquid extracts of
- Black Walnut hull, bark or leaf (Juglans nigra) – 2 parts
- Chaparral Leaf (Larrea tridentate) 1 part
- Yerba Mansa 1 part
- Distilled Water 4 parts
Place ingredients in a small spray bottle. Mist or spray (or apply with a cotton swab) 3 or 4 times per day.
Anti-Fungal Salve:
This is the recipe I use for my family. The same salve is available online at wondermentgardens.com
Wonderment Gardens Anti-Fungal Salve
- Chaparral (Larrea tridentate) 2 parts
- Black Walnut Hulls (Juglans nigra) 2 parts
- Pau d’arco (Tabebuia impetiginosa) 1 part
- Oregano (Oreganum vulgare) 1 part
Infuse the dried herbs above in
- 6 parts good quality Olive Oil
- 1 to 2 parts Neem Oil (Azadirachta indica)
Strain oil from the herbs.
Make a salve by adding 1-part bee’s wax to 6 or 7 parts infused oil. Heat until the bee’s wax is completely melted.
Cool the resulting mixture to 100 to 110 degrees (no warmer).
While the salve is cooling, mix the following Essential oils:
- 2-parts Tea Tree Oil
- 2-parts Myrrh essential oil
- 1-part Tagetes Essential Oil
Once the oil is cooled, add 15 – 30 drops of essential oil per cup of the salve mixture. (That’s a 2%-5% dilution). Mix gently but well.
Pour into a container for storage, leaving the lid off until fully cooled.
Apply to affected areas 2 to 4 times per day.
Product Suggestions
At Wonderment Gardens we offer a full line of high quality, small batch, herbal products. Each made with love and integrity. All of our products, from beauty creams to medicinal tinctures, to children products and formulated with the utmost care an attention.
As a clinical herbalist, Annie is always happy to assess your personal needs and help you develop an individualized healing plan. Contact Annie to find our more about scheduling a consultation or ordering a specialized formula.
Affiliate Links
The following are affiliate links. That means, if you purchase a product through one of the links, I make a commission at no additional cost to you. Rest assured I only suggest products I can support and feel confident about. Thank you for your support.
Additional Reading
If you liked this post, you may also like the following.
Urinary Infections in Dogs
Herbs that may help prevent urinary infections in dogs, as a side benefit, may also help with urinary incontinence and tone the colon wall.
Thank you for taking the time to read my blog. It is my bliss to have the opportunity to share my experience and research with you. I hope you find it helpful, inspirational, and informative. Please join in the conversation by sharing your thoughts, ideas, and experiences. Or anything else you would like to share. I would love to hear from you. Please contact me about your thoughts, ideas and experiences you would like to share.
Many Blessings
Annie
Disclaimer
The statements and ideas presented here are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease or condition. They have not been evaluated by the FDA. All ideas presented are for the sole purpose of education. To help you take control of your own health. If you have a health concern or condition, consult a physician. We suggest that you always consult a medical doctor before modifying your diet, using any new product, drug, supplement, or doing any new exercises.
These statements and products have not been evaluated by the FDA. They are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease or condition. If you have a health concern or condition, consult a physician. Always consult a medical doctor before modifying your diet, using any new product, drug, supplement, or doing any new exercises.
Herbs taken for health purposes should be treated with the same care as medicine. Herbal remedies are no substitute for a healthy diet and lifestyle. If you are serious about good health, you’ll want to combine diet, exercise, herbals, a good relationship with your doctor and a generally healthy lifestyle. No one of these will do it alone.
This information is designed to be used as part of a complete health plan. No products are intended to replace your doctor’s care, or to supersede any of his/her advice or prescriptions.
Well I definitely enjoyed studying it. This article offered by you is very effective for correct planning. Sidoney Elmore Magel
Thank you. Glad it is helpful
A big thank you for your blog article. Thanks Again. Cool. Rey Clemente Linet
Thanks for this howling post, I am glad I observed this internet site on yahoo. Candide Dean Timotheus
You are my intake , I have few blogs and occasionally run out from to brand. Torie Waring Gilbertina
Glad you like the post. What are your blogs? I would love to see them
Way cool! Some very valid points! I appreciate you writing this write-up plus the rest of the website is really good. Jayne Cecilius Names
Thank you for your kind works
Oh my goodness! Awesome article dude! Many thanks, However I am experiencing troubles with your RSS. Ekaterina Gregory Hizar
Howdy! I simply want to offer you a big thumbs up for the great info you have here on this post. I am coming back to your website for more soon. Annecorinne Horst Perle
Thank you. Hope to see you back again soon.
Very good written story. It will be helpful to anyone who usess it, as well as myself. Keep up the good work – looking forward to more posts. Glenine Kurtis Standford
Thank you, glad you like the post
Im thankful for the article post. Really looking forward to read more. Really Cool. Corrina Abel Erde
You inspired me with this. And i am ready to have the courage to het started. Kellia Brendan Akeyla
Rattling nice style and fantastic content , absolutely nothing else we need : D. Carolina Morgan Amieva
Thank you
I have recently started a web site, the information you provide on this website has helped me tremendously. Thank you for all of your time & work. Tiffy Sigismundo Vowel
Thank you, glad it helped. what is your website?
I really like reading a post that can make people think. Also, thank you for permitting me to comment. Evvie Randall Delia
A big thank you for your article. Really looking forward to read more. Fantastic. Avis Lay Joshia
Hi there, I want to subscribe for this weblog to get most recent updates, therefore where can i do it please help out. Jodee Stu Mylor
Done, thank you
Excellent blog here! Also your web site loads up fast! What host are you using? Can I get your affiliate link to your host? I wish my site loaded up as fast as yours lol Vivie Pascal Ducan
Here it is https://www.bluehost.com/track/wondermentgardens/
Excellent, what a website it is! This web site gives valuable information to us, keep it up. Didi Feodor Kipper
Very good article! We will be linking to this particularly great post on our site. Keep up the good writing. Colene Thedric Desmond Brynne Eddie Berners
Great thanks. What is the address to your site?
Really informative blog post.Really looking forward to read more. Much obliged.
I do not even know how I ended up here, however I thought this post was
good. I don’t realize who you are but definitely you are
going to a famous blogger when you are not already.
Cheers!
Great, thanks for sharing this blog post.Really thank you! Keep writing.
Appreciating the persistence you put into your site and in depth information you offer.
It’s nice to come across a blog every once in a
while that isn’t the same old rehashed material. Great read!
I’ve bookmarked your site and I’m adding your
RSS feeds to my Google account.
This page really has all of the information and facts I wanted concerning this subject and didn’t know who
to ask.
Thank you for posting this. I really enjoyed reading it, especially because it addressed my question. It helped me a lot and I hope it will help others too.
You’ve been very helpful to me. Thank you!
Hello my friend! I want to say that this article is awesome, nice written and include almost all vital infos. I?d like to see more posts like this.